By Segun Adeyanju 

Nigeria has achieved a significant milestone in military technology with the development of the Tsaigumi Tactical UAV, the country’s first indigenous military-grade Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

Designed by Lieutenant Nkemdilim Anulika Ofodile of the Nigerian Air Force, this breakthrough enhances the nation’s defense capabilities.

Unveiled in 2018 through a collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), and Portuguese defense firm UAVision, the Tsaigumi UAV is built for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), operations across land and maritime environments.

Lt. Ofodile, a PhD holder in Control Engineering from the University of Leicester, UK, played a pivotal role in the project, solidifying her place as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s aerospace industry.

Her achievement highlights the country’s growing self-reliance in defense technology and serves as an inspiration for women in STEM and military innovation.